Tether-Free Laparoscopic Camera with Integrated LED and Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery is hindered by unwieldy tethers for light and camera systems, which limit manipulation and are expensive, and surgical smoke poses health risks to hospital personnel due to hazardous compounds.
Innovation Solution
Development of tether-free lighting and optical systems with integrated power sources and smoke evacuators that use wireless data transmission and incorporate improved camera mechanisms, allowing for cost reduction and enhanced accessibility during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tethered light sources and cameras are used in laparoscopic surgery, then power supply and data transmission are ensured, but the surgeon's ability to manipulate devices is limited and the system becomes unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the external tether system and integrates it directly into the surgical instrument itself. The instrument contains an integrated power source (battery) that provides power to the light source and camera without requiring external tethers, thereby eliminating the complexity and manipulation limitations of tethered systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tether connection system with wireless power and data transmission capabilities. The integrated instrument uses internal power sources and wireless communication to transmit data to external monitors, eliminating the need for physical tethers and improving ease of operation.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional incandescent light sources are used, then illumination is provided, but the light source is hot, has limited range, and increases system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED (light-emitting diode) technology. LEDs operate at lower temperatures, consume less power, provide broader illumination range, and have longer lifespans, thereby resolving the contradictions between illumination intensity and temperature.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-camera systems are used with tethered connections, then video transmission is achieved, but the system is expensive and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the surgical instrument universally compatible with various video monitoring systems by using standard wireless communication protocols. The integrated camera can transmit video signals to multiple types of displays (monitors, smartphones, tablets) without requiring specialized tethered connections, thereby improving accessibility and reducing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution eliminates tether constraints, improves surgical visibility, and reduces health risks by removing hazardous smoke, enhancing both the efficiency and safety of laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source attached to the body, the light source configured to transmit light at least along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are lighting and optical devices, systems, and methods for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods advantageously do not require tethers in order to receive power or transmit data, such as camera images, to and from an external device. In addition, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods utilize improved camera mechanisms and reduce costs and improve accessibility with respect to laparoscopic surgical procedures.